Letter: Van Vleet's parents should be able to attend the tournament

As a former resident of Rockford, I take a lot of pride in the community that I was raised in. Watching the NCAA tournament is always a highlight of my basketball season. I am totally proud of the Rockford athlete playing for WSU.

Freddie Van Vleet is not only playing in this year’s tourney but he also played last year’s Final Four. I sincerely wish some bank in Rockford would set up a fund that people could make donations to that would help enable his family to attend this tournament. His stepfather is a member of the Rockford police force who has been very active in positively helping the youth of Rockford to develop into good citizens.

I think it would only be right if the people of Rockford and former Rockford residents alike would send in a few dollars to help this family enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of our own playing on the biggest stage of college basketball. Will someone step up and get this started?